Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating the helical weld seam extending around a spirally welded pipe is disclosed. Following the application of the usual coating as by a sintered polyethylene coating process, the heated pipe is subjected to a further flow of the coating material from a hopper on a movable coating apparatus. The outlet chute of the hopper is aligned with the pipe and an operator drives a movable carriage carrying the hopper on a rail system extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe. The speed of movement of the carriage on the track is coordinated with the speed of rotation of the pipe on its longitudinal axis and with the pitch of the weld seam so that the outlet chute of the coating apparatus remains aligned with the weld seam of the pipe. The operator is provided with a lever which controls the material outlet so that a proper flow of coating material can be maintained.